Vince McMahon: What the WWE CEO is doing wrong amidst AEW threats and how his actions could lead to his company’s downfall.
After the fall of WCW, WWE has reigned supreme in the wrestling world. There was a short period of time when ECW emerged but they were never really a challenge. Since then, promotions have come and gone but Vince McMahon and his company continue to rule the world.
That was until the arrival of All Elite Wrestling. AEW has emerged as a company that can rival Vince’s pocket in terms of wrestlers salary. In doing so they have established themselves as a viable alternative to Vince McMahon and his Company.
How has the creation of AEW affected WWE?
WWE have fallen from their pedestal and are now no longer the ‘be all and end all’ they once were. Many wrestlers within the company have either asked for their release or refused to renew their contracts.
Some wrestlers have tried to use AEW as an arm twisting tactic to extort more money. Most others however are genuinely tired of the torture they have undergone in the promotion and are looking for a way out.
The biggest causality the company has suffered is Dean Ambrose. According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, Ambrose (who goes by the name of Jon Moxley now) turned down a 7 figure contract. He informed Vince of his decision not to re-sign and has since left the company.
The former WWE champion was sent out on good terms. Considering his stature, this was probably done to keep the doors open in case he ever chooses to return to the promotion. Others aren’t as lucky.
How has Vince reacted to this?
It is very well known that Vince is extremely childish and petty. He let Randy Orton win the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2004 just so the Viper could replace Brock Lesnar as the youngest world champion in WWE. This was in retaliation to the Beast unceremoniously leaving the company. There are several more instances but that would take an article of its own.
Vince has not taken kindly to this trend in his company. He has however reacted in a manner very typical of him.
The Revivals who refused to sign a contract renewal have been embarrassed and humiliated week after week. Not sure how this will convince them to re-sign but OK.
Also read: Roman says he’ll kick off Raw
Then there’s the ridiculous case of Luke Harper. The former Wyatt family member has not featured on TV for almost a year. His only appearance on a Pay Per View since his injury was this years Jobber Battle Royal at the Wrestlemania Pre-Show. Frustrated with not being used, the wrestler asked for his release. 6 months have been added into his contract instead for the time he missed while he was injured.
Conclusion
Vince’s actions are making him a laughing stock around the world. He could afford being silly before but can he now? Vince and his merry men should address the underlying concerns here. They need to fix the issues that are making the wrestlers want to leave.
Yes AEW are not a direct competition at the moment. Yes the WWE is still the biggest wrestling company in the world now. However if this goes on then their reign might not last much longer. Indulging in such pettiness will only antagonizing his product in the eyes of the fans and wrestlers.
The fans are not laughing at the Revival, they’re sympathizing with them and several other wrestlers who are suffering the same fate. The wrestlers who see and read about what’s going on in the company will now think before joining Vince’s circus.
NXT has proven that WWE is capable of creating an environment where the stars feel valued and thrive. Maybe instead of Lio Rush, Vince needs to send himself down to Florida and learn a few things about this business.
